Save date for Science and Policy Forum in Geneva – a preparatory event of GP2019

February 21, 2019

Science and Policy Forum for the Implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

Date: 13-14 May 2019

Venue: Palais des Nations, Geneva

Co-organized by

UNISDR Science Technology Advisory Groups (STAG)

International Science Council (ISC)

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR)

Background

The new paradigm of risk-sensitive and risk-informed development triggered by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 requires sound foundations in knowledge and understanding of risk and resilience to contribute to the attainment of the Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. The Sendai Framework, in adopting ‘Understanding Disaster Risk’ as its first priority for action, emphasizes the importance of science and technology in its implementation. It calls for enhanced scientific and technical work on disaster risk reduction in the context of sustainable development and climate change and highlights the need to prioritize the development and dissemination of science-based risk knowledge, technology and innovation.
But it is not just about understanding risk – it is also about building a more integrated science basis which brings together science disciplines from all aspects of the 2030 Agenda, and most importantly ensuring science is used by policy-makers in support of risk-informed decisions and investment.
The Global Platform with its focus on the resilience dividend is a key opportunity to highlight the role of science, showcase its opportunities and commitment and encourage dialogue with Governments, private sector representatives and other practitioners.
Science and policy discussions at the Global Platform will be linked and mutually benefitting from the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and STI Forum, both under the leadership of ECOSOC and taking place from 13-17 May 2019 in Geneva and New York respectively.
The results of the discussions will also feed into the High-Level Political Forum, High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development and UN Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN General Assembly in September, and other critical lobal and regional events with the aim to link the global 2030 agreements and their respective scientific basis closer together.

Objectives

Key objectives of the Global Science Policy Forum for DRR 2019 are:

– To share and review progress in global, regional, national and local implementation of science-based policy making, risk sensitive development as a basis for enhanced engagement between science and policy for risk-informed decision making across the 2030 Agenda;
– To identify the key knowledge gaps and opportunities to strengthen the contributions of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary science base to delivering the Sendai Framework including through the operationalization of the Global Science and Technology Road Map;
– To commit collectively to enhanced collaboration for an integrated science approach to DRR, CCA and sustainable development;
– To fill the current gap in knowledge and application of new technologies for disaster risk reduction and enhanced resilience.

About the Organizers

The UNISDR Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) has been called upon by the Sendai Framework as an essential global partnership group providing technical advice and support in the formulation and implementation of disaster risk reduction activities worldwide. The global STAG1 has been expanded through the creation of regional STAGs in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Arab States and Europe, and is supported by the global UNISDR Science and Technology Partners.
The International Council for Science (ISC) has been a strong advocate of science-based development decisions and through its role as the organizing partner of the Science and Technology Major Group is the lead science organization within the global UN processes. ISC has clearly recognized the importance of a risk informed approach to sustainable development and climate change, not least through its sponsorship role for the IRDR (Integrated Research on Disaster Risk) and support for the establishment of a Risk Knowledge Action Network (KAN).
Since 2010, the Integrated Research for Disaster Risk (IRDR), a programme of the ISC, has been contributing to an integrated approach to research, policy and action in building and maintaining networks and partnerships with scientists and other stakeholders across the world with focus on focus on supporting a risk-informed implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Expected Participants
The priority audiences for the conference are:

1. Policy-makers dealing with the implementation of the Sendai Framework nationally;
2. Scientists and technology experts actively working in building the knowledge and its use in decision-making and action around the Sendai objectives;
3. Other stakeholders from civil society, business, media working on supporting evidence-based DRR.